The Azteca Stadium, one of the most emblematic venues in world soccer, is facing a key moment a few months before the 2026 World Cup. This week, Emilio Azcárraga Jean, owner of the stadium and Club América, publicly acknowledged that the remodeling works of the so-called Coloso de Santa Úrsula are not progressing as clearly as expected, which has set off alarm bells about its capacity to host the opening match of the tournament.
During his statements, Azcárraga explained that those responsible for the project have assured him that the three phases of the project will be ready within the established deadlines. The first stage is scheduled for the end of February; the second, for the end of March, with a view to a reopening of the stadium during a friendly match of the Mexican National Team against Portugal; and the third phase would be completed before the start of the World Cup, scheduled for June 11, 2026, when Mexico would open the tournament against South Africa.
Uncertain dates and pending adjustments at the Azteca Stadium
However, the businessman himself acknowledged that, although there are dates on paper, not all of them give him full confidence.
“I’m not a construction expert…I kind of don’t see that your dates are the dates.”
He noted, however, that the project is moving forward in a generally positive way.
Azcárraga also admitted that there have been technical failures during the process, such as problems in the lighting of some columns, which will be corrected later.
He also stressed the importance of constant maintenance of the Azteca Stadium.
Something that, in his words, was lacking for years and which they now seek to correct by taking advantage of the ongoing investment.
What role does FIFA play in this decision?
I'm not an expert in construction
Emilio Azcárraga
Following these statements, sports analysts have warned that the situation is not going unnoticed by FIFA.
During a broadcast of the program Cuadro Titular on FOX One, journalist Rubén Rodríguez explained that world soccer’s governing body will conduct inspections of all World Cup venues in Mexico, the United States and Canada during the month of May.
According to Rodriguez, if the Azteca Stadium is not completely ready by those dates or does not meet the required standards, FIFA could take severe measures.
These would range from withdrawing the opening match to, in the most extreme scenario, taking away the World Cup venue.
“In March the stadium is not going to be 100% finished, that’s a fact.”
“If FIFA knows it’s not ready in May, it takes away the opening match and the venue,” the analyst said.
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